Sunday, January 31, 2010

More, The Art Spirit

6x8, watercolor on Tyvek

A few more jottings that spoke to me  me from Robert Henri's, The Art Spirit:

-We must paint only what is important to us, must not respond to outside demands.


-The painter that bowls you over at first sight and the next day loses the power to attract your attention is the one who always looks the same.  It has a moment of life, but dies immediately thereafter.


-Originality.  Don't worry about your originality.  You could not get rid of it even if you wanted to.  It will stick to you and show you up for better or worse in spite of all you are anyone can do.


-No knowledge is so easily found as when it is needed.


-The habit of digression - lack of continued interest - want of a fixed purpose, is an almost general failing.  It is too easy to drift and the habit of letting oneself drift begets drifting.  The power of concentration is rare and must be sought and cultivated.

1 comment:

laura said...

Your watercolor is fascinating, Sherry--I wish I could see it in person; it looks ancient, Roman ...
The Henri quotes are great--that last one about drifting speaks to me! Although, I have to say I think sometimes drifting's just a good idea!